Ask the experts: how to pack light for cold weather

Off to cooler climes but don’t want to work up a sweat lugging a heavy bag around? Before you start piling your suitcase high, take heed from these seasoned travellers, who between them have clocked up some serious cold weather adventuring. From minimising toiletries to maximising layers (and not forgetting a portable dry-cleaning spray), here’s how to pack smart when the temperature plummets.

THE SKI AFICIONADO

Layer up the high-tech way

The technology of base layers has come along remarkably and there’s a company called Zerofit pioneering a fabric that actually generates heat rather than trapping it in. So instead of packing lots of thermals or chunky tops, you wear one of these plus a mid-layer and you’re done. It claims they’re five times warmer than a standard base layer and I’m inclined to agree.

Pack a pillowcase

I’ve heard of people who bring a pillowcase on board so they can stuff their ski jacket into it to create an extra inflight pillow if they’re going long distance. Personally, I wear a gilet or very lightweight down jacket for travelling and I’ll put my shell, which weighs nothing, in my case. I’ll always cram socks and underwear into my ski boots and place my goggles then gloves in my helmet before putting them all in my ski bag.

Decant a bottle of detergent

Ski hotels and chalets have heated towel rails, so bringing a small bottle of detergent means you can wash your wool ski socks and merino or synthetic wicking base layers in the basin, and they’ll dry quickly. Many hotels in Europe also have a retractable clothes line across the bath. If you're going away for a while, it’s worth checking whether there are laundry facilities where you’re staying. 

THE FASHION EXPERT

Three is the magic number

Minimise your footwear. I follow a general rule of three: I take a bulkier pair, such as boots, plus a pair of more lightweight evening shoes and a pair of trainers that are comfortable to walk in. I wear the heaviest pair to the airport, which saves room and weight in my case. Likewise, I travel in any outerwear and chunky knitwear, and I also wear trousers or jeans on the plane that I can wear in the evening. The lighter pieces won’t take up nearly so much space, though I would always pack a blazer, as it’s great for layering.

Choose your wardrobe wisely

Think about the practicalities. Are you going somewhere where you are required to go out in the evening? Or does your trip call for a more relaxed wardrobe? That way, you’ll pack with purpose. What I tend to do is pick a hero piece, something like a Toteme co-ord – a skirt and top or a pair of trousers and a top – as that’s already three outfits in one. I also choose a palette. If you stick to a theme, then everything in your suitcase goes together and you won’t need to take as much.

A quick spritz works wonders

My go-to fabrics when travelling somewhere cold would be a light wool/silk mix for trousers and dresses, and cashmere for tops, which are easy to layer and work nicely together. They also feel rich and luxurious, perfect for a winter escape. Pack a travel-size dry cleaning spray so if you’ve had to wear a shirt twice, for example, you can refresh it rather than having to bring extras.

THE HOTEL GM

Versatility is key

I pack a pair of leather boots that work equally well in snow and at a casual dinner. The same goes for outerwear: a water-resistant wool coat with a removable liner I can wear in the mountains and in the city. I avoid packing anything that only serves a single purpose.

Make it merino

I tend to travel with two or three high-quality merino wool pieces, especially base layers and fine-knit pullovers. Merino is breathable and doesn’t retain odours, so it can be worn several times. A durable merino wool zip-up works well on the slopes, during travel or at dinner – it’s practical, warm and never out of place. This means fewer items overall, and less time worrying about what to wear.

Wear it well

When travelling to cold destinations, I always wear the heaviest or bulkiest item – typically a wool coat or down jacket – during the journey itself. It’s practical at both departure and arrival, and it frees up a surprising amount of space in the suitcase.

Looking for more travel tips? Tell us a topic you’d like to see, and we may feature it in 2026. Email theclub.ba@cedarcom.co.uk.